Connecticut House Bill HB05069

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/19
• Refer: 1/10/19

Caption

An Act Lowering The Excess Cost Threshold For Out-of-district Special Education Students.

Impact

If passed, HB05069 could lead to a significant financial restructuring of how towns manage special education funding. By reducing the reimbursement threshold, the bill could make state funds more accessible for towns, relieving them from some of the financial burdens associated with high-cost special education placements. This change may encourage more equitable distribution of resources among local governments, particularly for those that serve a higher number of out-of-district special education students.

Summary

House Bill 05069 seeks to amend existing legislation concerning the reimbursement costs for towns providing special education to out-of-district students. Specifically, it aims to lower the excess cost threshold from four and a half times the average per pupil cost to three times the average. This alteration is intended to provide financial relief to municipalities that are currently facing high expenses in catering to the educational needs of special education students who are placed outside their districts.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, the bill may face contention, particularly from stakeholders concerned about funding adequacy and implications for the quality of special education services. Critics may argue that lowering the reimbursement threshold could lead to a higher demand for services than the state can afford, risking service quality. Proponents, however, maintain that it will promote more balanced funding across districts, fostering a more sustainable special education framework in the state.